August 5, 2026
Have you ever stood on the dock, admired a beautiful wooden boat, and wondered, Could I ever own one?
This year’s Wooden Boat Festival features a series of conversations that go beyond maintenance tips and restoration techniques. These sessions explore something more personal: why people choose to own wooden boats, what keeps them committed through the challenges, and what these boats give back in return.
Paths of Stewardship: How Wooden Boats Endure
Friday | 9:30–10:30 AM | Cruising Stage
Moderated by Leroy Lewis
This featured panel brings together a shipwright, a wooden boat owner, a captain, and a maritime educator for an honest conversation about what it means to care for a wooden boat. More reflective than technical, the discussion explores stewardship, patience, community, and the deep connections that develop between people and the boats they love. Audience Q&A included.
The Joys and Challenges of Owning a Wooden Boat
Saturday | 12:00–12:45 PM | Innovation Stage
Presented by Diane Walton
An honest, firsthand look at what ownership really involves, from the rewards that keep people hooked to the realities every owner eventually faces.
The Way Boats Build Us: A Journey of Resilience and Finding Home
Saturday | 2:00–2:45 PM | Discovery Stage
Presented by Sandy Lam
A deeply personal story about how a wooden boat became a path to resilience, purpose, and belonging.
Whether you’re already caring for a wooden boat, dreaming about buying one, or simply curious about what draws people into this world, these sessions offer honest answers from people who have lived it.
And if you’re already imagining one tied up at your own dock, don’t miss this Sunday presentation.
Dream vs. Reality: Owning and Restoring a Classic Wooden Motor Yacht
Sunday | 12:30–1:15 PM | Discovery Stage
Presented by Michel Eiffler and Erin Leader
Thinking about buying a classic wooden boat? This candid presentation explores what happens after the purchase, including the unexpected challenges, rewarding moments, and lessons learned while restoring a classic wooden motor yacht.
Header photo by Victoria Kellogg
